I propose not our enemies as an example for our general imitation, yet, as their navy is the best regulated of any in the world, we must, in some degree, imitate them and aim at such farther improvement as may one day make ours vie with - and exceed - theirs.

There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.

It is to the last degree distressing to contemplate the state and establishment of our navy... unless the private emolument of individuals in our navy is made superior to that in privateers, it never can become respectable; it never will become formidable. And without a respectable navy - alas, America!

In literature imitations do not imitate

This is a great example of real-world technology transfer moving to a very directed, day-to-day operation with clear beneficial results.

Rome was not built in one day.